My husband and I have a six-year-old daughter. He was divorced before I met him and has two sons in Canada living with his ex-wife. He hasn't seen them or her in 10 years. I think we need to tell our daughter before someone in the family lets it slip but my husband feels there's no rush. What do you think?

Michelle

Dear Michelle,

The news should come from you and your husband. If she hears it from a relative, she may wonder how many other secrets have been kept from her.

Tell her now. Don't wait. Younger children are more resilient to the hard truths about life. Just keep it simple and factual. Make it something she's aware of without making it seem overly important.